Can you eat too much fiber?

A:

Quick Answer

It is possible for a person to consume too much fiber. Eating too much fiber in a short amount of time can lead to problems such as constipation, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. A person should not consume more than 45 grams of fiber a day to avoid these problems.

Keep Learning

Eating too much fiber is rare, as the average American ingests only 12 to 15 grams of fiber a day. The recommended amount of dietary fiber for men is from 30 to 38 grams of fiber each day. For women, 25 grams is recommended for those between ages 18 and 50, and 21 grams for those age 51 and above.